---
title: "John James O'Brien | Inspired Living, by design — Interior Designers & Decorators | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/john-james-o-brien-inspired-living-by-design-pfvwus-pf~1133050722
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1133050722.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "John James O'Brien | Inspired Living, by design"
category: ["Interior Designers & Decorators"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/eac3bba5024cfc74_8896-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "PO Box 5418, Victoria, British Columbia V8R 6S4, Canada"
latitude: 48.4303
longitude: -123.3223
phone: "(250) 891-2997"
website: http://
rating: 0
review_count: 0
followers: 116
last_updated: 2026-08-16
---

# John James O'Brien \| Inspired Living, by design

Original Houzz profile: [John James O'Brien \| Inspired Living, by design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/john-james-o-brien-inspired-living-by-design-pfvwus-pf~1133050722)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Interior Designers & Decorators
- **Location:** Victoria, BC
- **Serves:** Bangkok, Central Saanich, Cyprus, Hong Kong, International, Oak Bay, Saanich, Victoria
- **Houzz rating:** 0.0 out of 5 (0 reviews)

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Star Houzzer
- Houzz Influencer
- 25 Ideabook Saves

As in-house designer & partner at Garden Oaks Fine Accommodation, I am available internationally for design projects and consultation, remotely or on-site, for freelance opportunities. Visit my independent consultancy, IRM Strategies, for deeper insights into my interests and activities.

I bring an interest in spatial relationships, historical integrity, environmental form and massing as a factors in design for living well.  I understand how space is used, how light and movement function. I enjoy the delight of cleverly used space—even when saving space is not the goal— and deliver a space that invites inspired living.

As your contracted partner, I represent your interests in working with architects, engineers, contractors and trades to realize the vision we create together. 

My background is broad with direct service and management roles that bring a depth that is hard to find in a more traditional, specialist career. I understand what it takes to get where you want.

My experience includes commercial (500+ offices, specialist space, remedial renovation of an archival exhibit hall) and residential (long/short term accommodations, villa, pergolas, lighting design) and objects (furniture, graphics, metalwork, mosaics, etc.). 

Activities have taken me Amsterdam, London, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Limassol, Nicosia, Moscow, Vancouver and Greater Victoria. Concurrently, we provide short and long lease accommodations in Victoria and Saanich, Canada. I have been selected to be an AirBnB Ambassador (2020) and help owners understand how to achieve success in short stay hospitality and meet the needs of the several demographics needing short term accommodation.

Project examples: 
\* a pergola for an awkward space ($4500 CAD including execution);
\* exterior lighting of house and grounds to impress 190 guests flown in for a party (€5000)
\* design and oversight of custom furniture manufacture for a villa (€30,000);
\* design of metal brackets to support antique wooden carvings ($250 CAD).
\* architectural re-visioning, exteriors/interiors, furnishings, objets: villa (€130,000 incl. travel.)

Interesting, meaningful projects are exciting--large or small.  
How can I help you?

### Services Provided

- Interior Design
- Kitchen Design
- Bathroom Design
- Living Room Design
- Bedroom Design
- Color Consulting
- Space Planning
- Furniture Selection
- Dining Room Design
- Lighting Design
- Custom Built-ins
- Design Consultation
- Floor Plans
- Project Management
- Entry Design
- Custom Furniture
- Playroom Design
- Nursery Design
- House Plans
- Art Selection
- Closet Design
- Universal Design
- 3D Rendering
- Basement Design
- Custom Bookcases
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
- Custom Walk-in Closets
- Wine Cellar Design
- Downsizing
- Attic Conversion
- Historic Building Conservation
- Kitchen Remodeling
- Client coaching

### Areas Served

- Bangkok
- Central Saanich
- Cyprus
- Hong Kong
- International
- Oak Bay
- Saanich
- Victoria

### Typical Job Cost

CAD 250 - CAD 250,000

Negotiable fixed price; or hourly rates (scale from $175 CAD/hour plus expenses) with trade discounts transferred to the client. Have a special proposal? I am conservative in my billings and focus on achieving design results. Let's talk!

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | John James O'Brien \| Inspired Living, by design |
| Address | PO Box 5418, Victoria, British Columbia V8R 6S4, Canada |
| Phone | (250) 891-2997 |
| Website | http:// |
| License Number | FM0386288 + 1032554 |
| Followers on Houzz | 116 |

**Social profiles:**
- X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/gardenoaksDOTca
- LinkedIn — http://ca.linkedin.com/in/johnjamesobrien/
- Blog — http://gardenoaks.ca

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [John James O'Brien \| Inspired Living, by design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/john-james-o-brien-inspired-living-by-design-pfvwus-pf~1133050722)
- **Website:** http://
- **Phone:** (250) 891-2997

## Credentials

**Certifications & Awards**
- As a former Certified Records Manager (CRM) I promise evidence-based practice and a highly ethical standard.

## Selected projects

- [Re-imagine "home" - partners' project, Victoria BC](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/re-imagine-home-partners-project-victoria-bc-pj-vj~366401)
  - Location: Victoria, BC
  - Photos: 19
  - Description: A true tale of the ugly duckling transformed into a swan, this 1976 house was completely gutted. A new open plan design concept shows off artifacts from adventures overseas and a custom display unit meets code requirements for a stair wall while providing transparency for light and enjoyment of spectacular antique carvings that grace the landing. Walls were removed and three engineered beams installed. 85 recessed lights, both line and low voltage to suit my lighting design ensures flexible high…
- [Agios Tychonas Villa](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/agios-tychonas-villa-pj-vj~340424)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 22
  - Description: Initially an opportunity to facilitate communications among the owners, architect and contractor to re-focus a major new house construction on the Mediterranean island nation of Cyprus, this project eventually required design of interiors, furnishings, specialized interior and exterior lighting, and architectural re-visioning. Supporting the owners' very specific design ethic required sourcing stone in Cyprus and Greece, finding a talented mosaic artist and a furniture manufacturer to deliver on…
- [Terrace Suite Pergola 498V](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/terrace-suite-pergola-498v-pj-vj~366393)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 2
- [Oaklands 8](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/oaklands-8-pj-vj~369998)
  - Location: Victoria, BC
  - Photos: 5
  - Description: This project to add a self-contained guest suite to an existing property increase property values dramatically and now provides the owners with a significant annual income. Upscale finishing include stone counters, radiant heat tiled floors, Bosch laundry appliances and more.
- [Container House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/container-house-pj-vj~366751)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 3
- [Miscellaneous Activities](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/miscellaneous-activities-pj-vj~366821)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 2
- [The Gardens at Garden Oaks on the Oaklands Rise Woonerf](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-gardens-at-garden-oaks-on-the-oaklands-rise-woonerf-pj-vj~7844922)
  - Location: Victoria, BC
  - Photos: 7
- [In Development](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/in-development-pj-vj~5951343)
  - Location: Sooke, BC
  - Photos: 2
- [Before & After Snaps](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/before-and-after-snaps-pj-vj~1161818)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 7
  - Description: Transforming properties is both a challenge and an opportunity. Sometimes, a subtle updating is all that is required. Sometimes, an owner discovers that years of mismanagement have reduced a retirement bungalow to an un-sellable ruin. These "Before and After" projects required me to establish a new architectural vision appropriate to the context and use of the property, John James' specialty. The functionality of the living space is improved and exteriors transformed. In two of these examples, i…
- [Mid-Century Oaks](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mid-century-oaks-pj-vj~554552)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 13
- [Renderings](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/renderings-pj-vj~510976)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 5
- [Furnishings](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/furnishings-pj-vj~509868)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 4
  - Description: Furnishings included in this album reflect design choices to suit project owners. Fabrication of furnishings and designed objects is based on drawings and specifications developed by John O'Brien through collaboration with clients. Depending on the project, John can oversee production and will find artisans and fabricators to suit specific needs.
- [Kitchen reno: Garden Suite](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kitchen-reno-garden-suite-pj-vj~426550)
  - Location: Victoria, BC
  - Photos: 5
  - Description: The former staff quarters of an 1914 mansion was dark and claustrophobic. The house sits on 45 miles of granite with some of it poking right up into living space. The design brief was to maxmize useable area, economically. 11
- [Display challenge](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/display-challenge-pj-vj~426539)
  - Location: Victoria, BC
  - Photos: 8
  - Description: This unique piece was designed by John James O'Brien, Garden Oaks Fine Accommodation. Manufacture of the unit was by Island Custom Cabinetry--our supplier of choice for custom storage and shelving.

[See all 14 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/john-james-o-brien-inspired-living-by-design-pfvwus-pf~1133050722)

## Community Q&A

**Q: Beautiful renovation. What's the name of the red shrub?** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: We're in Zone 3-8 and have several Japanese maples and a few dwarf (and one nurtured seedling that is clearly not as "dwarf" as we thought. The colour variation is amazing—and one is on a deck, leaves glowing the most beautiful red as the sunlight passes through.  Another interesting tree is the Ironwood Parotia Persica. We planted a 7 year old tree in another property and it took another 3-4 for it to perform as promised. Now, in fall, virtually every leaf turns a different colour—gold to red to orange and bronze. This tree is currently about 14' at 11-12 years old.  Just an idea ;-)

Have fun searching for your solution.

**Q: Need help making boring master bath a WOW** *(in Design Dilemma)*

Been in the house 3 years.  The Master Bath has lots of space but it lacks personality.  Should I paint the vanities white and change the backsplash?  Chandelier over the tub?  Paint the walls?

A: Hi Nancy. This space is an example of very common, in my view over-designed, neutral rooms in which the space is so full that there is little room to maneuver. The style is generic, aimed at a sell. Personality is a factor of unique elements that make a space stand out. A backsplash that introduces colour could help. The space needs life! A well proportioned plant tray on the bath surround 9offset, one corner or right behind the taps) and an orchid on the counter to \[pull-out a colour from the new backsplash could work. Suitable bath rugs pulling out another colour from the new backsplash could also work. However, you could try these steps prior to investing in a new backsplash to see if you are satisfied.
An alternative is to make the space personal by adding favourite pieces or treasured items that carry history--or aspiration. When a space doesn't provide enough room for that, it is hard to "feel" those touches that make the space our own. proportion is everything. You do have some opportunities in the shelf area, but the items seen in your photos are lost in the scale of the room. 
If budget allows, I would use tile to create a feature at the end of the tub, replacing the backsplash there and surrounding the window, which I would replace with an art or etched glass. This would create a focal point with a number of design options to achieve a dramatically unique master bath.
Good luck - have fun - I hope some of these ideas are helpful!

**Q: 2 kids into a 10 x 10 room.... without using bunk beds** *(in Design Dilemma)*

A: Just to clarify, I agree that the boys will want their own sense of space--hence the unit between the beds which effectively creates a separate room for each (as their "stuff" is stored) while avoiding an actual wall that divides the room. Lots of great ideas in this thread - solutions will depend in part on wheher you can bring in help or on how handy you may be. Perhaps share the ideas with the boys and let them help shape their own room (a recommended effort ;-)

**Q: How to make backsplash more practical** *(in Design Dilemma)*

So I installed all new quartz backsplash and counter in the kitchen.  I also got a nice 36" thermador stove/oven for the kitchen. What I did not anticipate is that the oven vent shoot straight out the back onto the backsplash area.  The grease and grime and heat coming from the oven vent really stains my quartz backsplash.  I dont want have to scrub it daily.  I am wondering if anyone can suggest a way to just cover it with something easier to clean like stainless steel or stick on tile or something while still looking nice.

A: While the heat transference issue is important, I understand that the issue here is a desire to easily clean a surface, quite a different problem. In any case, I hope that there is some useful information for bigangellover in this thread!

**Q: New home build- going with few upper cabinets.... will I regret it? Do** *(in Design Dilemma)*

Hi! I need advice. I'm in the beginning phases of building a new home and noticed a common thread with all the kitchens I save: windows instead of upper cabinets in the kitchen. 

QUESTION:  should I go with my vision, or stay safe? I've built before and felt like some things didn't turn out like I hoped. How do I make it work with the builder? Ive attached my inspiration photos. I want large windows on either side of my range hood instead of cabinets. I've got to make my final decision in approximately 1-2 months. 

ABOUT THE ROOM:  The floor plan has the kitchen open to the family room, oversized island with sink, range on long back wall with the refrigerator on an adjacent wall. There will be a butlers & walk in pantry, plus all drawers for the cabinets so I'm not concerned about loosing storage.

A: Function before beauty...you need not sacrifice the latter for the former. Remember that storage solutions are NOT BY ANY MEANS limited to uppers. Pantries flanking a fridge, shallow depth shelves or cabinets under a counter on one side, drawers or cabinets on the other, furniture!  One of the storage solutions I have seen used to great effect was a 19th century Dutch apothecary cabinet. The amount of storage was phenomenal and the look--gorgeous. The rest of the kitchen had, and needed,  no uppers.

**Q: Need help with window treatments badly!** *(in Design Dilemma)*

Thank you in advance to anyone who can help with ideas about improving my current window treatment situation - left from previous owners,
As it is now (see attached pictures), I find it boring and also cheap looking, given those ugly rods are starting to sag.

I went to Calico Corners as well as a small Upholstery/Drapery shop. The former suggested an estimate of 1000-2000$  and the latter around 1200$.
This is for two small windows (32.5" wide) with draperies and some kind of accent/valence at the top. Cornice would have been even more.
I am ready to decide that custom is out because it sounds horribly expensive to me - just to dress two windows.

I don't know what else to do.   
If anyone could give me some advice as to what I could do to make these two windows pretty for no more than 800.00 $, ideally much less - I would GREATLY appreciate it. 
If you think the budget I have in mind is truly unrealistic for anything beautiful/graceful (as opposed to boring or  cheap looking), please let me know.

This is a 11 x 11 ft, 8 ft ceiling dining room (small), traditional/transitional style,  hardwoods and a hand-made, wool oriental rug on the floor (heirloom, which I will keep there regardless).
One important objective for me is to create a  sensation of extra height to the room by having whatever window treatment I choose start right beneath the crown molding.  
Thank you so much!

A: Suggest a simple fix: flat (not ruffled) valence. You can even glue a matching or complementary fabric to posterboard. Cut to build a simple form attached at the top of the wall and ending below the top of your curtains. Unscrew the finials at the end of your rods for a tighter fit and more custom look. Cheap, effective, and changeable! Invest in a quality fabric--but take care that you do not overdo that or the drapes will suffer by comparison. Same quality or slightly better recommended.

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*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-16.*